Düsseldorf's Dusselgrün club kicks off the new season this Saturday.
**Düsselgrün Community Garden in Cologne, Germany: A New Era Begins**
In the heart of Cologne, a green oasis of urban sustainability and community spirit continues to thrive. Düsselgrün, a well-established community garden, has been a vibrant hub for ecological education, social interaction, and urban biodiversity since its inception in the early 2000s.
This year, Düsselgrün has taken a significant step forward, establishing itself as a separate association. The new association aims to strengthen its presence in the city, adapt to changes caused by climate change, and provide a space for people to come together, learn, and share knowledge through urban gardening.
The event to mark this new beginning will take place at the WGZ-Park on Velberter Street, the garden's home since the end of 2015. Open garden Sundays, previously held on a weekly basis from March to the end of October, will continue to be a highlight of the garden's calendar. The first open garden Sunday of the year will take place on Saturday, 25.3.
Düsselgrün operates on a community-driven model, welcoming individuals, families, and groups interested in gardening and sustainability. Membership details include a nominal annual fee, with reduced rates available for students and recipients of social benefits. Members are expected to participate in gardening activities, attend meetings or events, and help maintain the communal areas. In return, they gain access to individual or shared garden plots, participate in workshops and social events, and become part of a supportive community focused on urban sustainability.
The new association's board, chaired by Jutta Kotzerke and Hannah Monderkamp, is eager to build on Düsselgrün's success. Hannah Monderkamp, the new board chair, believes that the new independence may lead to increased presence in the city.
For those interested in joining Düsselgrün, visiting the official website or contacting the organizers through local Cologne community resources is the best course of action. This will provide details about the application process, seasonal activities, special projects, and volunteer opportunities. Everyone is welcome to attend the monthly organizational meetings or simply watch and participate in Open garden Sundays.
Düsselgrün's approximately 600 square meters site, located behind the main station, continues to serve as a testament to the power of community gardening in urban environments. The garden's main goals include promoting sustainable urban agriculture, strengthening community bonds, providing environmental education, enhancing urban biodiversity, and improving the urban quality of life. Through these efforts, Düsselgrün remains a shining example of ecological awareness and sustainable living in Cologne, Germany.
In this new era of Düsselgrün Community Garden, the association aims to strengthen its presence in Cologne, adapting to climate change and providing a space for urban gardening, which aligns with their home-and-garden ethos. As part of their lifestyle, members are expected to participate in gardening activities, meet regularly, and maintain communal areas while enjoying individual or shared garden plots, workshops, and social events.
